16-year-old charged with murder after stabbing in Hackney

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old at a large gathering in Hackney, east London. The victim, Brayan David Saldarriaga, was pronounced dead at the scene on Monday evening.

Police were called to reports of a large gathering, disorder, and individuals seen with machetes on Towpath Walk at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Monday. Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance Service attended, finding Brayan with stab wounds in the adjacent Poplar Close. Despite emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police stated the incident involved a fight that spilled out from a house party. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday and subsequently charged with Brayan’s murder and possession of a bladed article. Due to his age, he cannot be named. He is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, expressed condolences to Brayan’s family, who have requested privacy. She stated that the family continues to receive support from specialist officers. DCI Card also acknowledged the incident’s impact on the local...